News.
EXCITING NEW ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT MEDITERRANEAN TAPAS RESTAURANT TO OPEN AT THE MERRION CENTRE
7th March 2025
The Merrion Centre is set to welcome a brand-new dining concept this Summer as La Fiesta plans to bring a unique, all-you-can-eat Mediterranean tapas offering to Leeds.
A first for the city, La Fiesta will offer a vibrant blend of flavours from Spain, Greece, Italy and other global culinary destinations, promising an unforgettable dining experience.
The arrival of the latest venue in Leeds marks a significant scale-up for founder Maud Rana, an established restaurateur known for his diverse and highly popular restaurant portfolio across South Yorkshire. With seating at the latest 4,555 sq.ft flagship restaurant for up to 120 guests plus a dedicated bar area, La Fiesta at the Merrion Centre is set to become another new favourite for food lovers across the city and beyond.
La Fiesta will offer freshly prepared all-you can-eat Mediterranean tapas featuring an array of meat, fish, vegetarian, pasta, and rice dishes — all crafted from the freshest ingredients. Guests can indulge in a full salad bar complete with classic Pinchos, Italian and Spanish cheeses, charcuterie, artisan breads, and Mediterranean-inspired salads.
One of the standout features of La Fiesta will be its dedicated churros station, where diners can enjoy freshly made churros dipped into an ever-flowing chocolate fountain — bringing a sweet taste of the Mediterranean to Leeds.
At an affordable price, guests will have the opportunity to sample a wide range of dishes and return for more of their favourites. The concept aims to redefine the all-you-can-eat experience by combining quality Mediterranean cuisine with a relaxed, stylish atmosphere.
La Fiesta’s opening at the Merrion Centre will create between 30-50 new jobs for the running of the restaurant, with an additional 10-30 short-term roles to support the venue’s development. The restaurant will also bring an additional family-friendly dining experience to the Arena Quarter, complementing the Merrion Centre’s existing and ever growing and varied hospitality offering.
Speaking ahead of the launch, owner Masud Rana said:
“The Arena Quarter and Merrion Centre have been of interest to us for many years, and now feels like the perfect time to join this thriving area. Leeds is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the UK, and we are excited to showcase our unique Mediterranean vibe here. We believe our remastered all-you-can-eat experience will leave a positive impression not only on guests from Leeds, but also on visitors from across the UK and beyond.”
Adding her thoughts, Lynsey Clarke, Asset Manager for Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome this new, exciting concept to the Merrion Centre. This innovative Mediterranean all-you-can-eat concept is a fantastic addition to our growing hospitality offering and is truly unique for Leeds. We are confident it will prove incredibly popular with both local residents and visitors to the city, offering a vibrant dining experience that complements our diverse offering.”
To mark the opening, La Fiesta will host a two-day soft launch for the general public, featuring a slightly smaller menu at 50% off food (advance bookings recommended). This soft launch will provide guests the opportunity to offer feedback ahead of the full opening.
Additionally, an exclusive VIP launch evening will take place, with key local figures, family members, and invited guests in attendance.